Molly Makseyn of the Teacher Education Program of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School has been chosen as the 2021 Patty Hopkins-Acos Memorial Scholarship recipient. This scholarship benefits an outstanding UCSB graduate student who demonstrates a passion for and dedication to serving children with special needs. The goal is to make this an annual award given in honor of Patty Hopkins-Acos whose 30-year career in special education changed the lives of so many children and families in Santa Barbara.
Molly Makseyn just graduated with an M.Ed. and ESC (mild/moderate) teaching credential. Makseyn received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Harvard Extension School in 2013. She has ten years of early childhood education experience, and is eager to work with elementary school-aged children.
This scholarship is intended to support beginning special education teachers who demonstrate the professional and personal dedication exemplified by former Gevirtz School Teacher Education Program Supervising Instructor Patty Hopkins-Acos throughout her career with special needs children. This fellowship recognizes and encourages teacher candidates who, like Patty, inspire others with their excitement about teaching, compassion, irrepressible energy, courage, integrity, and sense of humor.